Yellow bottle labeled 'The Gentle Acid' from Skin Rocks on a matching yellow background
Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons | Woman using yellow-edged cotton pad for gentle skincare routine on glowing skin
Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons | The Control Acid BHA Exfoliating Toner for congested skin in yellow bottle
Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons | Key skincare ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin, Oligopeptide-10, Polylysine, Lemon Myrtle for clear, calm skin
Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons | Model with glowing, smooth skin showcasing clinically proven oiliness reduction and smoothness
Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons | Oily skin AM routine: Gel Cleanser, Control Acid, Antioxidant, Light Moisturiser
Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons | Exfolitone™ skincare products with yellow bottles for gentle, control, and strong acid toners
Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons | The Control Acid BHA Exfoliating Toner for congested skin
Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons | The Control Acid BHA Exfoliating Toner for clearer, fresher skin

The Control Acid

$100.00
$100.00

150ml

Read Reviews
A decongesting exfoliating acid toner for breakout-prone skin that targets the root cause of congestion, controlling it before it occurs.

Targets

Congestion, blackheads, breakouts, skin texture, visible pores

Suited To

Oily, congested and/or breakout-prone skin.
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You need this if:

You have oily, congested and/or breakout-prone skin.

You don't need this if:

Your skin is not oily, and you do not suffer from breakouts of any kind - you need The Gentle Acid.

Clinical Studies and Consumer Trials

Our formula is clinically proven to...
  • Reduce skin oiliness.*
  • Increase smoothness.*
  • Improve hyperpigmentation.*

*Based on a clinical study of 50 participants with blemish-prone/oily skin, using the product regularly for 4 weeks.

About the product

Formulated with breakout-prone and congested skin in mind, this liquid toner works hard to unclog pores and regulate oiliness.

Powered by a unique complex of 2% encapsulated salicylic acid (BHA) and polylysine, The Control Acid helps to regulate oil production; targeting the root cause of congestion and controlling it before it occurs. Blended with a range of skin-conditioning ingredients, The Control Acid is so much more than a standard BHA. With redness-reducing and barrier-supporting benefits, The Control Acid works to soothe and strengthen the skin while simultaneously unclogging pores, leaving skin smoother, clearer and more radiant.

All ingredients

Aqua (Water/Eau), Glycerin, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Backhousia Citriodora (Lemon Myrtle) Leaf Extract, Mel Extract (Honey Extract/Extrait De Miel), Oligopeptide-10, Benzyl Alcohol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Butylene Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethelenediamine Disuccinate, Polydextrose, Dextrin, Amylopectin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Polylysine.

How to use

Use in the AM or PM, up to 3 times a week. After cleansing, dampen a cotton pad with the toner and sweep over a clean, dry face (or to specific affected areas), avoiding the eye area. Follow with the rest of your routine.

Recycling Information

Glass Bottle: Our glass bottles are readily recyclable. Please separate and rinse prior to disposal.

Cap: Our plastic caps are readily recyclable.

Bottle Plug: The plug within the neck of the bottle is readily recyclable.

Carton/Leaflet: Our carton card and internal leaflet are FSC certified and widely recyclable.

Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons | Diagram showing skincare bottle materials: glass, PP plastic, PE plastic, and card packaging
View full details

Not Sure Which Acid Is Right for You?

  • The Control Acid

    Ideal for
    Oily, congested and/or breakout-prone skin

    Key acids
    2% BHA (salicylic)

    Targets
    Blackheads, Breakouts, Congestion, Visible Pores, Skin Texture
    .

  • The Gentle Acid

    Ideal for
    All skin types

    Key acids
    9% AHA (mandelic and lactic)
    1% PHA (gluconolactone)
    Targets
    Skin Texture, Dullness, Hyperpigmentation, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Uneven Skin Tone

  • The Strong Acid

    Ideal for
    Experienced acid users

    Key acids
    15% AHA, BHA + PHA (glycolic, lactic, mandelic, shikimic, phytic, gluconolactone and salicylic)

    Targets
    Skin Texture, Dullness, Hyperpigmentation, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Uneven Skin Tone, Blackheads, Congestion, Visible pores

FIND OUT MORE
Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons | radiant blonde woman smiling with healthy skin

CAROLINE SAYS

Your go-to for congested, breakout-prone or oily skin.

This acid exfoliates and controls sebum production, which in turn will improve congestion and breakouts before they occur. Say goodbye to blackheads and visible pores, and hello to smoother, refined skin.

Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons | The Control Acid BHA Exfoliating Toner for congested skin, 150mL

Key Ingredients

Salicylic acid

Decongests the skin and unclogs pores, helping to improve skin texture and promote smoother, clearer skin.

Polylysine and lemon myrtle

Regulate sebum production while maintaining the quality of the skin’s natural oils, helping to protect the skin barrier, prevent future congestion and minimise shine.

Oligopeptide-10

Works synergistically with salicylic acid to boost its efficacy.

Niacinamide

Regulates the production of sebum (oil) on the skin, in turn reducing the appearance of pores and improving skin texture. Minimises the appearance of redness while supporting the skin barrier.

Panthenol and glycerin

Skin-soothing and hydration-boosting ingredients that complement salicylic acid.

AS FEATURED IN

Hear what people are saying.

  • "Can’t live without this now"

  • "Results after 2 days!

    New favourite to keep my sebaceous filaments under control and pores minimised without irritation or dryness. It's a must for those with combo skin!"

  • "I wish I had tried this product sooner.

    I had suffered from deep open pores and blackheads all of my life and have tried everything to get rid of them. I had come to the conclusion that this is how my skin was and I would just have to accept it. I also have breakout’s of acne rosacea. I cannot believe the change in my skin in only a few days, inflammation gone, blackheads gone, acne rosacea gone, redness gone. This is the first review I have ever left as I would only do this if something work’s. Thank you so much!"

  • "Amazing!

    This exfoliating toner is a game changer! My skin has been much smoother, and my spots and blemishes have significantly reduced since I started using it. Plus, it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin at all. Magic in a bottle!"

  • "Excellent product.

    My skin is smoother and brighter when using this acid. I would 100% recommend."

How to Refill

You’ve finished your product and received your Refill—what’s next?

FAQs

You’ve got questions,
We’ve got answers.

What is the difference between The Control Acid and The Gentle Acid?

The Control Acid is our 2% Salicylic Acid + Polylysine Exfoliating Acid Toner that has been specifically developed for oily, congested and/or breakout-prone skin. The Gentle Acid is our AHA + PHA Exfoliating Acid Toner, which is suitable for all skin types.

Is The Control Acid suitable for all skin types?

The Control Acid has been specifically formulated to benefit those with oily/congested skin. If these are not concerns for you, you may be more suited to The Gentle Acid.

Can The Control Acid be used by teenagers?

The Control Acid is suitable for anyone experiencing hormonal changes in their skin, whether that's due to puberty, contraception or menopause.

The majority of skincare products should be used by those aged 16 and above, unless specified otherwise. However, as The Control Acid was designed with hormonal breakouts in mind, it can be suitable for younger skin experiencing this concern if used under parental supervision.

Can I use The Control Acid in the AM?

You can use The Control Acid in the AM or PM (not both). However, you may wish to reserve exfoliation steps for the PM to avoid immediate sun exposure. Remember to always wear sun protection after using acids, as your skin’s sensitivity to sun damage can become heightened.

Can I use multiple Skin Rocks acids in the same routine?

No, you do not need to use multiple acids in a single routine. Please choose the formula best suited to your skin’s needs.

Is The Control Acid suitable for vegans?

The Control Acid contains honey extract, included for its soothing properties as part of a key raw material. Therefore, it is not suitable for vegans.

What percentage of exfoliating acid is in The Control Acid?

The Control Acid contains 2% salicylic acid (BHA).

Can I apply the Skin Rocks Acids with my hands?

No. We recommend applying the product with a cotton pad.

Can I use The Control Acid when pregnant/breastfeeding?

Yes – our acid toners are topically applied facial cosmetic products that are safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. All Skin Rocks products are developed to fully comply with both the UK and EU Cosmetic Regulations and undergo a strict independent safety assessment before they can be sold to consumers.

Customer reviews

Hear it direct from our community.

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